Follow us

Summer Kickoff

Often described as being synonymous with summer, the Hamptons celebrates this favorite season in style. Endless ocean beaches and peaceful bay hideaways lead to seemingly endless days under the sun and on the water. Waterfront restaurants awaken from the off-season, opening their doors for the swell of visitors looking to spend as much time out east as possible, while newcomers are slated to join the party out east. With the high season upon us, the Hamptons is kicking off summer in all of the best ways.

Getting out on the water is possibly the most loved way to spend summer on the East End. There are many opportunities and areas to enjoy boating, but sometimes it is nice to let someone else take the helm for a bit. Heron Yacht Charters out of Sag Harbor aims to offer guests a unique new experience aboard the luxury catamaran that sails around the Hamptons and Shelter Island. Small and large groups of up to 38 can board the vessel, enjoying a quiet afternoon or intimate celebration. Founder and mate Shannon Carleton says their newest addition to the fleet is the most exciting.

“Siren is the new baby,” Carleton says, adding guests can order a picnic basket with cheese, cured meats, baguette, dried fruit and more aboard Siren, or a catered lunch by Cavaniola’s of Sag Harbor aboard Heron. “I’m absolutely obsessed with her. Originally the tender to Heron, the 2017 built Siren established her own identity as the Hamptons first private yacht tender certified to carry over six passengers. Her teak accents and classic, yacht club launch style, combined with Heron Yacht Charter’s attention to detail and service, make this bateau the most stylish way to travel the Hamptons’ waterways.”

There’s another new way to travel about the Hamptons this summer that is also environmentally friendly. Dean Silvera of Aventura Motors in Southampton shares they are Long Island’s only authorized Moke America dealer, a street-friendly vehicle with a maximum speed of 25 mph that make it the perfect beach car. The vehicles began as a military invention for the British army in the late 1950s, growing to become a cultural touchpoint with celebrity fans like Brigitte Bardot, Princess Margaret, Emperor Rosko, and the Beach Boys.

Moke America vehicles have also evolved to join the electric revolution. A full charge gets about 40 miles of driving time, which is also a silent ride. Take it to the beach, local restaurants, and around town to visit friends this summer on warm and sunny days.

Time in the sun also calls for responsible sunbathing. Hampton Sun founders Salvatore Piazzolla and Grant Wilfley endeavored to create a line of luxury sun and skin care products that not only protect one’s skin from UV rays, but smell great as well. The company’s signature scent, Privet Bloom, captures the essence of the Hamptons. Sunscreen, bronzing, and after sun products utilize smart formulas to offer great protection. They also recently released a home product line with their same signature scent.

When it comes to planning for summer gatherings, catering offers peace of mind for hosts. With this in mind, Lexi Stolz and her business partner Louisa Young have been serving the East End for the last four years with their catering company Hamptons Aristocrat. Hyper local, farm-fresh dishes delivered by way of their Farm-to-Fete wooden crates is both delicious and aesthetically appealing. They also offer full-service catering for any soiree. “Clients can even add on staffing,” Stolz shares. “This service is perfect for intimate dinners of six to afternoon hangs around the pool, kids’ birthday parties, picnics, and even large cocktail parties.”

On the menu, find hors d’oeuvres like buttermilk waffle with fried quail egg, mini chilled salmon cakes, and surf and turf biscuit with parmesan cream for your cocktail party. The duo also whips up snacks, main courses, tacos, breakfast, and much more. The list goes on to create a luxury menu and dining experience that is fresh, fun, and tasty.

In May, Stolz and Young also opened a physical restaurant called Salt Drift Farm in Bridgehampton where guests can enjoy their signature style dishes. “Come in your bathing suit covered in sand at 4 p.m. and share lobster rolls, short rib nachos, and farmers pizza with some friends,” Stolz says. “The menu doesn’t stop there. There is even a secret vegan menu!”

In terms of summer dining, the East End’s waterfronts are particularly appealing for all of the obvious reasons. The Beacon in Sag Harbor has reopened for the season, boasting views of the harbor while guests dine on fresh seafood dishes and enjoy cocktails at sunset. Its sister restaurant, Bell and Anchor on Noyac Road, also has peaceful water views in the marina.

Waterfront restaurants line the shores of the Hamptons in either direction. Further west is the ever-popular Dockers Waterside Marina and Restaurant in East Quogue. Overlooking Shinnecock Bay, the restaurant has been a Dune Road staple for the past 29 years, somewhat a rarity for Hamptons restaurants.

“All of our seats overlook the water,” shares Larry Hoffman of Dockers, adding there are two outdoor waterside living rooms and three bars. “Our menu is an eclectic mix of creative American cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood, steaks and lobsters, all created and designed by Executive Chef Scott Hastings. The casual, relaxing and friendly environment is by design with an ‘on vacation’ Hamptons flair.”

New restaurants serving the Hamptons crowds this summer include casual eatery Hooked in Montauk, French restaurant Maison Vivienne in Southampton, and New York Italian restaurant Il Mulino, which will have a location in East Hampton.

It is official, now through Labor Day summer in the Hamptons will be in full swing. Whether you enjoy the water by boat or beach, or dine at one of the East End’s many notable restaurants, it’s a time to relax, indulge, and enjoy all this favorite season has to offer. Happy summer!

SHARE POST